Visitors to Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees’ (HBTSR) Bronllys welcome day out had the chance to step back in time and experience some local history last weekend.The village’s Royston Hall was the base for the day and more than 30 people made the journey from Swansea.“After the storms in the previous few days, a slightly overcast day in Bronllys was far better than expected,” HBTSR’s Ailsa Dunn said.“While the sun didn’t shine, we were able to get out and walk twice. Anyone who thinks people from hotter parts don’t know how to cope with Welsh weather needs to meet our visitors who always come ready to join in with everything we suggest and even ask to go out to explore whatever the weather.”As ever, there were many volunteers on hand to help with food, entertainment and welcome for the visitors, who are refugees or asylum seekers now settled in Swansea.“One volunteer Christina had brought knitting, Serena, Ellie and Tara prepared to show and teach calligraphy and Douglas and Suzie arranged to sing and Suzanne to play the harp throughout the day,” Ailsa said.“Many people quietly enjoyed being in the hall throughout the day and at least one person commented upon how much they loved the peacefulness of the area. People found their own spots in and around the hall to ring home and show off the area, to meditate, to draw, write, knit , try playing the harp, sing and to chat.”Walk one was led by Gez Richards, and gave visitors the chance to explore the moated site of a medieval manor house, admire the views, eat blackberries and take selfies.After a delicious lunch it was time to visit Bronllys castle, founded in or soon after 1100 by Richard Fitz Pons.“It was a real hit with one of younger visitors,” Ailsa said. “She quizzed us about how old the castle is and why it was there and planned to go to school to tell her teachers that she’d been in a castle.”Voluntary Coordinator for HBTSR Sue Richards said: “It was a fabulous day made possible by friends and supporters who gave so generously of their time and donations. We'd also like to express our gratitude to the Honey Cafe, Heather at Anchorage Shop Bronllys, Brecon Aldi and Talgarth Coop for generous support and the Royston Hall committee for use of the hall at a special rate.A huge thank you goes to our friends from Swansea for allowing us to share a little bit of their lives through song, talking, drawing and writing and knitting.”If anyone wants to learn more about HBTSR please visit the website https://hbtsr.cityofsanctuary.org/
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